effervescent refractions

Another illustration of FlacoAlto’s philanthropy, and substantiation of AleSmith’s talent, the Grand Cru was to me the real test of the admired brewery. My tendency towards Belgian styles conjures what I’ve found to be an excellent examination of American zymology. Succeeding at the Imperial IPA, the task set by a Belgian ale is entirely different and its achievement shows to me versatility and nuance of quality. Poured, the head appeared as a layer of crème Anglaise, densely heaped above an opaque autumnal red body. Estery and spicy to the nose, the blend reveals banana and bubble gum, clove, cardamom, cinnamon and pepper. Reminiscent of a Tripel as a grainy corn aroma emerges, this Grand Cru elaborately joins a touch of Irish Cream to flowery peaches. The flavor takes on a slightly hoppy metallic tinge and spicy burn, suggesting an Americanized, or at least AleSmithized approach to the style. Dry coffee and chocolate malts are subdued but add nonetheless a weighty background to the sticky banana, cinnamon and clove combination. While the carbonation seems initially overwhelming, it slowly recedes to uncover a smooth and enjoyable texture. Overall, I was pleased by the effort, but it left me longing for more of that undefinable Belgian flair which seems so difficult to find elsewhere.